Plush toy

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to a plush toy, including a fabric encasement and various smaller, collectible plush items that can be stored therein. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plush toy that reflects the individuality its owner by providing a fabric encasement for retaining a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, wherein the smaller plush items are insertable into the cavity of the encasement to form filling thereof. Therefore, each smaller plush item represents an aspect of user&#39;s personality, identity, interests or life experiences via a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or image provided by the user. The collection of smaller plush items held by the fabric encasement represents a particular individual. The present invention fosters creativity, self empowerment, reflection and allows a user to participate in the creation of a unique toy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Non-provisional patent application, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/262,747, entitled “Plush Toy,” filed Nov. 19, 2009, the complete disclosure thereof being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a plush toy, including a fabric encasement and various smaller, customizable soft collectible plush items that can be stored therein. Both the encasement and the smaller plush items may be produced in a multitude of shapes, designs and sizes. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plush toy that reflects the individuality of its owner, or the user, by providing a fabric encasement for retaining a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, wherein the smaller plush items are insertable into a cavity defined in the encasement to form filling thereof. It is a further object of the present invention to foster creativity and to allow the user to participate in the creation of a unique toy and/or keepsake. Therefore, each smaller plush item may be representative of an aspect of the user's personality, identity, interests or life experiences via a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or image provided or created by the user. Collectively, the smaller plush items retained by the fabric encasement represent the particular user.

A plush toy is generally sewn from fabric (e.g., cloth, plush or other textiles) and filled with cotton, synthetic fibers, straw or other similar materials to give it dimension and a soft feeling. Conventional plush toys are well known in the prior art. The popularity of plush toys with young children is well known, dating back to the Roosevelt era's “Teddy bears.” Plush toys also have been made to be more interactive with the user. For example, some plush toys have various detachable parts or other similar operative features. Moreover, some plush toys define a cavity for holding the detachable parts or other smaller plush items therein.

Plush toys that define a cavity in which smaller objects can be stored are known in the prior art. For instance, the “Bird House Shape Sorter” manufactured by Melissa & Doug, LLC of Wilton, Conn. provides a plush toy container with a cavity in which smaller predetermined plush items of various geometric shapes are stored. The outer structure of the plush container defines apertures in the form of various geometric shapes which match the size and shape of corresponding individual smaller plush items. The educational goal of this toy is for children to match the shape of the smaller plush item with the shape of the aperture defined in the plush container, and then to insert the smaller plush item through the aperture and into the cavity. Another example is the “Stuffed Interactive Elephant with 7 Toys” manufactured by Lillian Vernon Corporation of Virginia Beach, Va., which similarly provides a plush container having an interior cavity, the outside of which defines an aperture through which smaller predetermined plush items of varying shapes are inserted. The smaller plush items exhibit different sounds and are made from different textures. The educational goal is to teach children the concept of cause and effect (i.e. if you squeeze, you will hear sound),

However, neither the “Bird House Shape Sorter” nor the “Stuffed Interactive Elephant with 7 Toys” offers a child the ability to customize the smaller plush items. Rather, the smaller plush items are predetermined by the manufacturer. Also, the smaller plush items do not collectively represent the particular user.

Moreover, although there are plush toy encasements in the market that allow a user to express emotion, such as the Emotion Doll manufactured by Kimochi, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., there are no plush toys that allow a user to reflect his/her individual personality and identity. The Kimochi Doll provides a plush encasement in the form of a doll with a pouch for storing smaller predetermined plush items. Each plush item represents a face expressing an emotion on the front with the name of the emotion printed on the back. Users are encouraged to remove the emotion they are experiencing and show it to another person to help them express their feelings. However, like the abovementioned prior art, the Kimochi Doll fails to provide a means for a user to express creativity or individuality; rather, the user may only select and arrange predetermined plush items.

Other than the incidental benefit from being able to assemble the toys in various arrangements, none of these plush toy arrangements provides a means for stimulating creativity or for reflecting a user's individual personality. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a plush toy encasement and smaller plush items that are customizable, individually and collectively, to allow a user to use the toy to reflect his/her interests, life experiences, and/or likeness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, provided is a plush toy including a fabric encasement and a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, and which are unique to the owner of the toy. The smaller plush items are insertable into the cavity of the fabric encasement to form filling thereof. Each smaller plush item may be representative of an aspect of user's personality, identity, interests or life experiences via a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or image provided by the user. The collection of smaller plush items held by the fabric encasement represents a particular individual. Additionally, the size, shape, and color of the smaller plush items are customizable. The smaller plush items are collected over time to continuously represent the ever-changing user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a fabric encasement in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another top view of the first embodiment thereof showing an aspect of the invention, wherein smaller plush items are insertable within the fabric encasement.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of a fabric encasement in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the second embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second embodiment thereof showing an aspect of the invention, wherein smaller plush items are insertable within the fabric encasement,

FIG. 10 is another top view of the second embodiment thereof showing an aspect of the invention, wherein smaller plush items are insertable within the fabric encasement.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a first embodiment of a smaller plush item in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,

FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a smaller plush item in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a top view of various embodiments of a smaller plush item in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the various embodiments of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15A is a top view of a third embodiment of a smaller plush item in accordance with an aspect of the present invention,

FIG. 15B is a bottom view of the third embodiment of FIG. 15A,

FIG. 16A is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a smaller plush item in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 16B is a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a plush toy including a fabric encasement for retaining a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. Advantages of the present invention will now be described in detail with references to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a plush toy including a fabric encasement and a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a fabric encasement 100 according the present invention. In this embodiment, the fabric encasement 100 is in the shape of a five-pointed star. However, as discussed in more detail below, the shape of the fabric encasement 100 may be selected by the user and may be any geometrical or other custom shape. The fabric encasement 100 is comprised of a top portion 110 and a bottom portion 112 sewn together. More specifically, the fabric encasement may include an outer layer, an inner layer and an inner lining. In this embodiment, the outer layer is constructed of polyester mirky and the inner lining is constructed of polyester; however, either layer may be constructed of a similar fabric, such as flannel, fleece, cotton, or knitted fabric, etc. Moreover, the fabric encasement may be made from luxury fabric materials such as suede, velvet, or leather. The inner layer, located between the outer layer and the inner lining, may be constructed of layers of batting that are sewn together to give the fabric encasement a padded structure.

Additionally, the fabric encasement 100 defines a cavity therein for retaining a plurality of smaller, individually selected, plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, wherein the smaller plush items are insertable into the cavity of the encasement to form filling thereof. Specifically, the collection of smaller plush items held in the encasement may be representative of the user's overall personality, life experiences and/or preferences. Each smaller plush item may include an image that represents a single aspect of user's personality, identity, interests or life experiences. This image may be a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or custom image provided by the user. The user may choose to provide an image to create a custom smaller plush item. More specifically, the custom image may be a depiction of a person, a depiction of a place, a depiction of a thing, a depiction of an event, a depiction of an individual's unique artwork, or a depiction of alphanumeric symbols arranged in a select order. Moreover, one smaller plush item may include an iconic graphic of an ice cream cone, representing the user's favorite food. Similarly, another smaller plush item may include a photographic representation of a soccer ball, representing the user's favorite sport. The cavity of the fabric encasement may further define compartments (not shown) for storing various categories or genres of the smaller plush items or other smaller toys. For instance, one compartment may be designated for smaller plush items related to foods while another compartment may be devoted to sports-related smaller plush items.

Additionally, the cavity of the fabric encasement may also include a sealable “secret compartment” (not shown). This secret compartment allows a user to conceal certain smaller plush items or other toys, which he/she wants to remain private or hidden. For instance, if the user is a child who brings his/her plush toy—including the fabric encasement and smaller plush items—to a slumber party and turns out the contents therein, he/she may conceal certain items in the “secret compartment,” which he/she may be embarrassed of or otherwise not want to share.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the fabric encasement 100 may further define a first aperture 102 in the top portion 110 and a second aperture 104 defined in the bottom portion 112. FIG. 5 shows how a smaller plush item 106 may be inserted through the aperture 102 defined in the top portion 110 of the fabric encasement 100. The aperture 102 is preferably sized and shaped such that a smaller plush item 106 may be inserted therein, but cannot fall out. Moreover, the fabric encasement 100 may further include a closure mechanism in relation to the aperture 102, such as a zipper, series of snaps, or Velcro. The aperture 102 may also be reinforced to support long term wear and use. Additionally, the aperture 102 allows a partial view into the fabric encasement 100, providing aesthetic interest. In order to remove a smaller plush item 106 from this embodiment, a user may unseal the closure mechanism situated in relation to the second aperture 104 defined in the bottom portion 112 of the fabric encasement 100, reach inside, and pull out a smaller plush item 106. Although this embodiment includes an athletic zipper, the closure mechanism may be in the form of snaps, Velcro, buttons or other similar securing mechanisms.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention fabric encasement 200. In this embodiment, the fabric encasement 200 is in the shape of a cylinder. The fabric encasement 200 is comprised of a first end 210, a body portion 201, and a second end 212 sewn together to form a cylinder-shaped encasement 200.

The fabric encasement 200 defines a cavity for storing smaller plush items. Additionally, the fabric encasement 200 defines a cavity therein for retaining a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, wherein the smaller plush items are insertable into the cavity of the encasement to form filling thereof. As shown in FIGS. 6-10, the fabric encasement 200 further defines a first aperture 202 in the first end 210 and a second aperture 204 in the second end 212. FIG. 9 shows how several smaller plush items 206 a, 206 b, 206 c may be inserted through the aperture 202 in the first end 210 of the fabric encasement 200. The aperture 202 is sized and shaped such that the smaller plush items may be inserted therein but cannot fall out. In this embodiment, a closure mechanism in the form of zipper is included in relation to the second aperture 204. However, the closure mechanism may be in the form of snaps, Velcro, buttons or other similar securing mechanisms.

Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the fabric encasement and the generic principles and features described above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the fabric encasement is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described above. For example, although it is described as being in the shape of a star or cylinder in the previous embodiments, the fabric encasement may be in the shape of a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, octagon, trapezoid, and other similar geometrical shapes. Additionally, the fabric encasement may be produced in a shape of interest to children, such as an athletic ball, flower, heart, animal or other like shapes. The fabric encasement may also be constructed in a custom shape pursuant to an individual user's design, such as the shape of an animal, person or other whimsical shape. For instance, the fabric encasement may be constructed in the shape of a child, with a printed image of the face or entire body of the child on the encasement. The fabric encasement may also include the user's name on the outside where the letters may be embroidered or appliqué sewn onto the fabric encasement.

In order for a user to make use of the plush toy, after purchasing a fabric encasement, users may purchase smaller plush items with which to fill the encasement over time. These plush items may be premade or customizable, but collectively they represent a particular individual. As illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, each smaller plush item may be comprised of an outer shell, defining a cavity therein. Specifically, in the embodiments illustrated, the outer shell is comprised of a front portion 310 and a back portion 312 sewn together to form a cavity, which may be filled with a soft material. The front portion 310 of the each smaller plush item may include a solid-colored fabric, such as polyester, and having an image 320 applied thereon. The back portion 312 of each smaller plush item may be constructed from a soft fabric 332, such as minky, fleece, or flannel. Embroidered stitching 330, such as a blanket stitch, may be included as an accent along the seam between on the front portion 310 and the back portion 312 of the smaller plush item 306.

The smaller plush items are intended to be collectibles, individually selected and gathered over time such that collectively they reflect the user's overall personality, life experiences and/or preferences. Each smaller plush item represents an aspect of user's personality, identity, interests or life experiences. For example, the smaller plush item may include a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or image provided by the user, a select shape of the smaller plush item itself or other select portion that is personal or representative of the user. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, each smaller plush item 306 includes an image 320 that is a photographic representation of a person, place, thing or event. The user may choose to provide an image to create a custom smaller plush item, may select from among manufacturer-provided images, shapes and colors to create his/her own combination for a smaller plush item (“semi-custom smaller plush item”), or may choose a smaller plush item having a predetermined image, shape and color (“premade smaller plush item”). The custom and semi-custom smaller plush items have at least one portion (i.e., image, color, shape, and/or material) that is customized by the user, whereas all portions of the premade smaller plush items are predetermined by the manufacturer. The combination of select premade smaller plush items and select custom and/or semi-custom smaller plush items is specified by the individual user, such that, together, the fabric encasement and the combination of selected plush items collectively represent a particular individual.

For instance, in one embodiment of a premade smaller plush item 306, illustrated in FIG. 11, the image 320, color, size, shape and material of the smaller plush item may be predetermined by the manufacturer and sold as such. Users may purchase premade smaller plush items in a retail venue or via the Internet. The premade smaller plush items may be produced in mass quantities and may represent various images of people, places or things that are of interest to many children and adults (i.e. sports, food, music and pets). As FIGS. 11-14 illustrate, the premade smaller plush items 306 may be mass-produced in various geometric shapes. Moreover, the back portion 312 and the embroidered stitching 330 of the premade smaller plush items 306 may be offered in various colors. Mass-produced premade smaller plush items may include a variety of images to select from, including licensed characters, logos, or images, such as cartoon characters, famous individuals, sports teams, or college identities.

Additionally, as indicated above, users may create their own custom smaller plush items unique to the user. FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a custom smaller plush item, where the shape, color, and material are selected by the user and the image 320 is provided by the user. In general, each custom smaller plush item is comprised of a front portion consisting of a solid-colored fabric, such as polyester, and features an image applied thereon. The back portion of each custom smaller plush item is constructed from a soft fabric, such as polyester minky, fleece, or flannel. Users may purchase custom smaller plush items through the Internet, or order them in a retail setting. In an online purchase, the user may upload a photograph or other image in an electronic format (i.e. jpeg, tif file, etc) to the manufacturer's website, and complete an online ordering form, which is sent to the purchaser. The user may further choose other elements to be included on the smaller plush item, such as a patterned fabric, specific color combination, fabric type, stuffing type (i.e., determine the degree of softness, or whether a scent is included therein), decorative accessories (i.e., jewels, beading, charms), and the like.

The image on each custom smaller plush item may be unique to the user who orders it. For instance, a user may order a custom smaller plush item with a piece of his own artwork printed on the front or may specify an image that signifies a special event in a user's life. Moreover, a user may choose to order a custom smaller plush item with an uploaded picture mixed with iconic photography to create a unique image. For example, the user may upload a photo of himself/herself to the manufacturer's website and set it on a background of a photo from another time or place, such as the White House or the Eiffel Tower,

Additionally, a user may also custom-order a unique shape, size and/or color for the custom smaller plush item. For example, in FIGS. 15A and 15B a custom smaller plush item is shown in the shape of a person. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the front portion 410 may be substantially constructed of the solid-colored fabric so that a full-length image of a user, family member or friend may be placed over the entire front portion 410. Embroidered stitching 430, such as a blanket stitch, may be included as an accent along the seam on the front portion 410 of the smaller plush item 406.

Alternatively, the user may select a whimsically shaped semi-custom smaller plush item and make it unique to him through application of his own image. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, a user may select a smaller plush item 406 in the shape of a gingerbread man and insert his own image in the solid colored-portion 420, designated for a face. FIG. 16B shows a bottom view of this embodiment where the back portion 412 of the smaller plush item 406 is constructed from a soft fabric 432, such as minky, fleece, or flannel. Moreover, the back portion 412 and the embroidered stitching 430 of the smaller plush items 406 may be in various colors,

Additionally, the front portion of the smaller plush item may include a depiction of alphanumeric symbols arranged in a select order. For instance, a purchaser may submit their name, initials or a custom saying to the manufacturer's website and order a custom smaller plush item with the name, initials or saying on the front portion. Alternatively, purchasers may select among a variety of quotes, poems or maxims to be printed on the front portion of the smaller plush item by the manufacturer. The front portion of the smaller plush item may also be blank such that a purchaser may order it and then handwrite a custom message for the recipient,

In yet another embodiment (not shown), the smaller plush item may include a sound chip. The sound chip may be embedded within the stuffing of the smaller plush item or otherwise discretely included. The sound chip may include iconic sounds, such as Happy Birthday, a Christmas carol, or the National Anthem. Additionally, the sounds may be custom where the voice of the user, a family member or friend is recorded. For example, a user's voice may be recorded to preserve the memory of their voice at a particular age, or a message from the purchaser (i.e, parent, relative or friend) may be recorded for the user. Custom recordings may be made through the manufacturer's website.

In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the plush toy may be intended for use as a pet toy. In this embodiment, the fabric encasement may be in the shape of a bone or other pet-friendly shape where smaller plush items may be inserted therein. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the collection of smaller plush items is representative of a particular pet, instead of a person. The smaller plush items may be in the shape of items attractive to pets, such as a ball, other animal, bone, food item or other such shape. The smaller plush items may also include images of items attractive to pets, photographic images of family members, or photographic image of the pet itself. Moreover, the smaller plush items may also be custom-made in a shape specified by the customer.

The previously described embodiments of the smaller plush items are generally constructed of fabric and filled with heat-resistant stuffing. However, in another embodiment (not shown) of a smaller plush item, the smaller plush item is not stuffed or otherwise filled. Rather, the smaller plush item defines a hollow cavity therein. In this embodiment, the smaller plush item defines an aperture on one side. This embodiment may employ a zipper, Velcro, snaps or other securing mechanism to secure the aperture. A user may insert and store a smaller keepsake item, such as a tooth, piece of jewelry, or special trinket, within the cavity of the smaller plush item.

Additionally, each smaller plush item may include a looped tag (not shown) that is sewn on the side for branding purposes, which also serves to attach the smaller plush item to another item, such as a keychain or backpack.

As mentioned above, the smaller plush items are intended to be collectibles, individually selected and gathered over time and held by the fabric encasement such that the contents of the encasement—the smaller plush item collection—reflects the user's overall personality, life experiences and/or preferences. Each smaller plush item represents a single aspect of user's personality, identity, interests or life experiences via a photographic representation, iconic graphic, or image provided by the user. The combination of premade smaller plush items, custom smaller plush items and semi-custom smaller plush items selected by the individual user, together with the fabric encasement collectively represent a particular individual. The present invention plush toy fosters creativity by allowing users to express their individuality through the creation of a collection of smaller plush items. Each plush toy is unique because each collection of smaller plush items is tailored to represent a specific individual and each individual is unique. Therefore, the present invention meets the objective of providing a unique toy that fosters creativity.

Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the smaller plush items and the generic principles and features described above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the smaller plush items are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described above. For example, although they are described as having a back portion constructed of minky, fleece or flannel fabric, the back portion of the smaller plush items may be constructed of other materials, such as silk, suede, leather or velvet. Additionally, the back portion of the smaller plush items may be constructed as knitted objects.

The present invention plush toy has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, and one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments, and any such variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A plush toy, comprising a fabric encasement defining a cavity therein, and a plurality of smaller individually selected plush items that collectively represent a particular individual, wherein the smaller plush items are insertable into the cavity of the encasement to form filling thereof.
 2. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein the fabric encasement further defines at least one aperture, which allows access to the cavity and secures the smaller plush items within the cavity.
 3. The plush toy of claim 2 wherein the fabric encasement further defines a closure mechanism in relation to the aperture.
 4. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein the smaller plush items include an image that is representative of the particular individual.
 5. The plush toy of claim 4, wherein the image is selected from a group consisting of a depiction of a person, a depiction of a place, a depiction of a thing, and a depiction of an event, wherein said image represents the particular individual's identity, preferences or life experiences.
 6. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein the fabric encasement further includes a compartment situated within the cavity for storing a select number of the smaller individually selected plush items.
 7. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein the smaller plush item includes a predetermined shape, size, color and image.
 8. The plush toy of claim 1, wherein the smaller plush item is customizable such that an individual may select the shape, size, color and image of the smaller plush item.
 9. A customizable plush toy that is representative of a particular individual, comprising: a fabric encasement defining a cavity thereof; a plurality of premade smaller plush items capable of being held by the cavity of the fabric encasement; a plurality of customizable smaller plush items capable of being held by the cavity of the fabric encasement, said customizable smaller plush item having at least one portion that is customized by an individual; wherein a select number of premade smaller plush items are selected by an individual and a select number of customizable smaller plush items are selected by an individual, such that the encasement and selected plush items collectively represent a particular individual.
 10. The plush toy of claim 9, wherein the fabric encasement further defines at least one aperture, which allows access to the cavity and secures the smaller plush items within the cavity.
 11. The plush toy of claim 10, wherein the fabric encasement further defines a closure mechanism in relation to the aperture.
 12. The plush toy of claim 9, wherein the fabric encasement further includes a compartment situated within the cavity for storing a select number of the smaller individually selected plush items.
 13. A plush item, comprising an outer shell including an image that is representative of a particular individual's identity, preferences or life experiences, said outer shell defining a cavity therein, wherein said plush item is intended to be part of a collection of individually selected plush items, said collection being representative of a particular individual.
 14. The plush item of claim 13, wherein the cavity is filled with stuffing.
 15. The plush item of claim 13, wherein the cavity is shaped to allow a smaller item to be stored inside the plush item.
 16. The plush item of claim 13, wherein the image is selected from a group consisting of a depiction of a person, a depiction of a place, a depiction of a thing, a depiction of an event, a depiction of an individual's unique artwork, and a depiction of alphanumeric symbols arranged in a select order.
 17. The plush item of claim 13 fluffier including a sound chip. 